I bought the Classic Integrated Amplifier almost sight unseen for two main reasons: first, the pleasantly retro look of the unit, so close to the style of the Golden Age of Hi-Fi, which is very dear to those like me who are no longer very young. Second, and more importantly, because of the philosophy of the project, which I learned about during the gestation of the amplifier. What was Marco Manunta trying to do? An understated, elegant instrument with an extended and powerful sound, with no concessions to aesthetic and technical “claptrap” such as to raise its price beyond what is fair, as is too often the case. An essential piece of equipment, in short, like certain masterpieces of lutherie, capable of doing at their best what they are supposed to do, which is to play well.
And so it was.
From the very first listenings,.
A pleasant sound, extended in depth and amplitude, present, clear and delicate in the high range, powerful and precise in the low range, with a perfectly placed midrange to complete the entire range. And, in my case, with the not-so-simple task of “feeding” two SCM50 ATCs, not exactly generous in sensitivity.
In short, a “little” jewel capable of making you “feel inside” the music, without ever giving the feeling of listening detached from the speakers, without ever making their presence felt. Like being wrapped in a rich, colorful and brilliant sonic cloak. And all this, and more there would be to say, at a price that is really affordable for everyone.
Congratulations Marco, goal achieved!!!